1867 5C w/Rays - MPD or Die Chip?

oih82w8

I recently picked up a nice 1867 5C w/Rays PCGS AU58 and noticed "something" above the ball over the date but below the shield. I know that there are MPD FS-304 & 305 but this one is in a different location.





Thank you for your interest!

CaptHenway

Good question. Can't tell.

yosclimber

There are 10 varieties listed at
http://www.shieldnickels.net/snvarpop/SNVarPop.htm
But I don't have the photo guide, so I can't tell you if yours is listed.
Howard S. reads the forum here and will probably reply the next time he's on.

NumisOxide

Interesting!

DIMEMAN

I don't think it is a die chip, but can't see what digit it could be either. Very interesting.

MrHalfDime

There appears to be a lot going on with that nickel. In your enlargement I can see significant shift doubling on all of the date numerals, clashing marks from the rays on the reverse, and a die crack from the center of a dentil up to the base of the 1, and continuing into the field above the 1, all in addition to the object you have circled. it does not appear to be a die chip simply because it is too regular in shape, with square features.

sparky64

I always enjoy Shield Nickel threads. So many of them have a lot of character, like this one.
Nice coin, btw.

mariner67

Speaking of die cracks.....there appears to be several on the obverse.

oih82w8

Another collector (outside of the forum) mentioned that it "may" be the lower portion of the "1" in the date.

Possible "{S1-4001} {MPD} [Base or flag of a 1 peeks out below the shield, above the ball.]"

http://www.shieldnickels.net/snv/latestStatus.html

Raybo

<< <i>I always enjoy Shield Nickel threads. So many of them have a lot of character, like this one.
Nice coin, btw. >>



I agree with sparky.
The Shield series is super cool for varieties (and I like them a lot).

oih82w8

<< <i>Howard S. reads the forum here and will probably reply the next time he's on. >>



Howard S. may be out having FUN! I sent him a PM invite for comments.

howards

This does appear to be S1-4001 as another poster pointed out. The position of the date, the shape of the engraved leaf, and the die cracks are good matches.

I have that listed as an MPD, with either the base or flag of a 1 protruding the from the ball. However, in cases like this so little of the purported MPD exists that I think it is impossible to be definitive about what it is (the description admits that there isn't even enough evidence to say if it is a base or a flag of a 1, nor is there enough evidence to be confident this is an MPD).

I only recall seeing one other of this die before. I passed on buying it because it was quite expensive - a high grade 67WR with a large premium for the MPD.

To the poster who suggested there are clash marks: I'm not seeing them, but maybe I'm missing something. If you like, post a photo with arrows pointed to where the clashes are.

MrHalfDime

"To the poster who suggested there are clash marks: I'm not seeing them, but maybe I'm missing something. If you like, post a photo with arrows pointed to where the clashes are."

I am unable to post pictures, but if you look closely at the OP's enlargement of the date area, and specifically at the area within his red circle, you will see some parallel straight lines in the field running from a point just to the left of the die chip or misplaced date numeral, pass just to the left of the ball, and down toward the date numerals 18, crossing the red circle at about K7:30. These appear to be in the area directly opposite the rays on the reverse, and are similar in shape and size. When I enlarge the OP's photo I can also see similar clash marks (from rays?) to the right of the ball.

Flatwoods

I don't see the clashing but I'm loving that coin.
Shield nickels are a cool series.

howards

<< <i>"To the poster who suggested there are clash marks: I'm not seeing them, but maybe I'm missing something. If you like, post a photo with arrows pointed to where the clashes are."

I am unable to post pictures, but if you look closely at the OP's enlargement of the date area, and specifically at the area within his red circle, you will see some parallel straight lines in the field running from a point just to the left of the die chip or misplaced date numeral, pass just to the left of the ball, and down toward the date numerals 18, crossing the red circle at about K7:30. These appear to be in the area directly opposite the rays on the reverse, and are similar in shape and size. When I enlarge the OP's photo I can also see similar clash marks (from rays?) to the right of the ball. >>



I'd have to see the coin in person. The marks you are pointing out don't look like clashes to me, and aren't positioned where one usually sees clashed rays. The photograph a bit washed out, and I'm more inclined to think those marks are an artifact of the photography more than anything else.

I've been fooled by shield nickel photograph artifacts a number of times! I'm not saying that the marks aren't a clash.